Double Barrel Bluff by Lou Berney

 World-class storyteller Lou Berney is back with another book with quirky characters, an engaging plot, and nonstop action. Although his NOVEMBER ROAD is my favorite Berney book so far, DOUBLE BARREL BLUFF comes in a close second.

Former organized crime member Shake Bouchon and his wife Gina are living quietly in the midwest when Dikran, a thug from the crime family they once belonged to, tracks them down. It seems Lexy, the mob boss, is missing, and not trusting anyone in the mob, Dikran strong-arms Shake into going to Cambodia to help him find her. Once there, they quickly discover that Lexy is being held for ransom by a couple of men who are unaware of who Lexy is--they think she's a wealthy tourist just ripe for plucking. Amid ransom negotiations, two more members of the crime family show up, but it's unclear if they are there to help free Lexy or have ulterior motives.

I loved the characters. The relationships between Shake, Dikran, and the two kidnappers could not be better. Add a new-age hippy and an angry wife to the mix, and the plot gets more interesting. This is an excellent, action-packed story written with wit and cringe-worthy situations. 

5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is November 5, 2024.

For more information:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

City in Ruins by Don Winslow

 What a way to conclude a successful writing career. In this, Don Winslow's final novel, he satisfyingly ends the Danny Ryan Trilogy and leaves this reader hoping he will decide retirement is too dull and begin writing again.

Danny Ryan thought he had left his Irish mob days behind him. He has become a wildly successful casino partner, has a great relationship with his son, and has a woman he could love. Still, his past resurfaces as an FBI agent out for revenge stirs the pot; he must go on the offensive again to preserve his world. Calling on old friends for help, Danny tries to outwit the government and the Italian mafia while keeping his family safe. His life and business empire are on the line; failure is not an option.

I first became a fan of the character Danny Ryan in "City on Fire" and continued in "City of Dreams." Both left me wanting more, and  I'm happy to report that "City in Ruins." is the icing on this trilogy cake: it resolves storylines and characters' lives fittingly. The writing is excellent, the plot is twisty, and the pacing is fast - a Don Winslow signature novel. I wish Mr. Winslow well in whatever he does next, but I will miss the worlds and characters he created.

5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow, for an advance copy of "City in Ruins" in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is April 2, 2024.

For more information:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble